ROTC on the Rise
By Morgan Schutters, a sophomore from Berea, Ky.
WILMORE, KY— The need for strong moral leaders in the military has never been greater and the Asbury College Reserved Officer’s Training Candidates program (ROTC) is growing to meet the demand.
Twelve years ago, Ike Adams, professor of social work and Ray Fellows, assistant professor of business management, decided to start the ROTC program and it has been active ever since. Fellows, who is a retired Air Force colonel, knows what it takes for this country to grow in the Lord and is passionate about supporting ROTC as a training ground for this growth under God. “The military needs strong moral and ethical leaders. Asbury is looked on as a good source for people who can lead in a strong, ethical, and moral way. Our students have been outstanding!”
David Coulliette, faculty liaison for Asbury’s ROTC and professor of mathematics, affirms Fellows on the importance of ROTC at Asbury and how the administration is recognizing and moving forward in this endeavor. “President Gray and Provost Kulaga have really made [ROTC] a priority in the administration. They really believe in our goals and hopes to have ten scholarship cadets on campus.”
Coulliette is enthusiastic about the benefits for students involved in the program. ROTC cadets receive free room and board at Asbury because the requirements of the program often do not allow them to have part-time jobs. “That’s better than UK. That’s huge!”
There have been as many as eight cadets involved in Asbury’s ROTC at one time. The College offers Army and Air Force involvement and having a scholarship is not necessary to involvement in the program. The ROTC program is open to all who qualify. Lt.Col. Tony Dotson leads the Army program at the University of Kentucky and Lt.Col. Kelvin O’Dell heads up the Air Force branch of ROTC that Asbury participates within. The program involves class work, physical training and commitment to excellence.
Coulliette is trying to grow the program that just keeps getting better. “We’ve got to get the word out about ROTC. It’s a well-kept secret. A lot of alumni I’ve talked to don’t realize we even have a program available here and are excited to support it.”
A Web site presence is on the way. In cooperation with UK, Asbury College wants to have the No. 1 Cadet ROTC program of 50-60 students in the area. “Traditionally Asbury students have been at the top of their leadership classes in this program, and we’d like to keep it that way,” Coulliette said.
Sophomore ROTC cadet Mark Workman says, “So many young men and women have given their time and energy to keep my family and friends safe. I see this as my opportunity to pass on that blessing to others.” Through the ROTC, Workman says that he has learned many different leadership styles, the importance of being thorough, and the necessity of effective communication between those in authority and their subordinates. “By the time I graduate from college,” Workman explains, “I will be on track to be responsible for countless individuals as well as several million dollars worth of equipment. How many college graduates can say that?”
Students interested in ROTC should contact Coulliette.
Released: March 7, 2008
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